The most accessible source of information on comparable sales is the public record. When someone buys a home the property is deeded from the seller to the buyer. In most circumstances, this deed is recorded at the local county recorders office. They combine sales data with information already known about the property so they can assess property taxes correctly.

Provided there have been no additions to the property, the information available from the public record is usually correct regarding sales price, square footage, and numbers of rooms. This makes it easy to use the public record as a source of data for comparable sale information.

Accessing the data is another matter, at least for the general public. Realtors can generally look up this information through title insurance companies. The title companies either compile the data directly from the county recorders office or purchase if from other companies.

One problem with the public record is that it tends to run at least six to eight weeks behind. Add another four to six weeks for the typical escrow period and you can see the data is not current. The most current information is the most valuable.

Next Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service

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Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price

Determining Your Offer Price Comparable Sales in the Public Record Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service Comparable Sales - Pending Transactions Other Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

Major Factors Influencing your Offer Price

How Property Condition Affects Your Offer How Home Improvements Affect Your Offer How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer The Final Decision on Your Offer Price

Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics

Introduction and Overview Contingencies in a Purchase Offer Earnest Money Deposit The Closing Date Transfer of Possession

Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property

Disclosures From the Seller Condition of the Property Upon Transfer Inspections You Should Require Final Walk-Through Inspection

How Financing Details Affect Your Offer

Down Payment Interest Rates Closing Costs and Financing Incentives Seller Financing Cash Offers Other Financing Details in Your Offer

How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer

Extra Costs for the Seller VA and FHA Appraisals

Selecting Service Providers

You and the Seller Must Agree Escrow and Settlement Title Insurance Termite and Pest Inspection